Three Body Language Tips to Avoid During an Interview

When it comes to interviewing, technical experience is one thing, soft skills are another and presentation is about tying it all up in a bow.

According to a piece on Forbes, there are several ways to sharpen your body language in order to aim to seal the deal.

1. Posture. For starters, experts say in the piece that leaning back suggests “boredom or lack of interest.” That said, leaning forward could be viewed a problem since it may seem like you’re crowding the interviewer and closing in on his or her desk. The solution? Sit up straight and imagine a string tied from the top of your head to the ceiling.

2. Avoid pointing. Your mother probably told you growing up that it was rude to point and hand gestures such as pointing during an interview are a no-no as well. In addition, if you’re accustomed to talking with your hands, try to avoid karate chopping in the air or moving your hands repeatedly.

To that point, the opposite won’t bode well for you either — if you put your hands in your pockets or cross them in front of your chest, you’ll be viewed as closed off. The best way to use your hands is to simply appear open. Your hands should be in front of you as you naturally gesture, as indicated in the piece.

3. Distracting gestures. Maybe you bite your nails when you’re nervous? Play with your hair? Scratch your head? All of the above? Whatever your vice, try to cut it out. Small movements could be distracting during an interview and also parlay nervousness to the interviewer.

By appearing calm, cool and collected you’ll need to act that way as well. In addition, try to minimize distracting jewelry and watches so you won’t be twirling around a ring to distract your interviewer.